The Switch, a supplier of megawatt-class electrical drives for wind energy and industrial applications, has launched a new full-power converter (FPC) for utility-grade electricity production. The FPC+ concept builds on the company’s experience and an installed base of over 11 GW of power throughout the world. Designed for the highest level performance in electricity production,…
Industry veteran launches APQ, a one-stop shop for power quality solutions
Industry veteran Gary Anderson, former President of Arteche PQ, has launched APQ, LLC to provide a range of electrical power products and services that save users money. APQ’s power quality products will mitigate harmonics and improve the quality and efficiency of power operations. The company will serve North America, building on the quality line of…
Moog earns TÜV Rheinland certification for safety on wind turbines
The Moog Pitch Servo Drive, a component of Moog’s Pitch System responsible for guaranteeing the safe operation of wind turbines, obtained a TÜV certification for compliance with the guideline issued by Germanischer Lloyd. This validates that Moog designs achieve Performance Level D for the wind turbine feathering safety function. The safety of wind turbines is…
What are the different types of motors & drives in wind turbines?
Pitch drives can be electric or hydraulic, although hydraulic units are prevalent on utility-sized wind turbines. Hydraulic pitch controls would use servovalves along with microprocessor-based electronics and one of several network connections, such as CANopen, Profibus, or Ethernet fieldbus interfaces. These allow digital communication for improved performance, enhanced remote diagnostics, and greater process control. A…
Trends in motors and drives
One trend in wind motors and drives is an increasing demand to refine overall turbine design for lower cost and higher availability. Also, instead of buying the gearbox and motor separately from different manufacturers, some companies offer them packaged together. Lastly, requirements for pitch control are increasing in larger, more powerful turbines. Pitch control is…
Smart drives for fans and pumps
The ACS310 is intended to install and get up and running fast, particularly when it is to drive pumps and fans. The addition to ABB’s ac drive family ranges from 200 to 480 Vac, 0.5 to 30 hp (0.37 kW to 22 kW). The drive has features for pumps and fans– complemented with advanced, energy…